2018 Learnings I’m Taking Into 2019

2018 is done and dusted and here we are in week three of 2019, Happy New Year everyone!

A lot of things can happen in 365 days and if like me, you have a million google tabs open simultaneously in your brain, it is almost impossible to remember everything that has happened. Maybe look through your diary, photos in your phone or even a gratitude list if you have one and re-live some of those wonderful memories.

I have spent some time contemplating and celebrating my achievements over the last 12 months and whilst the New Year resolutions and bucket list are in full swing, I feel it’s important to reflect upon the learnings which helped shape me as I sit here today.

‘ME-TIME’ REALLY IS OK

I have suffered from bouts of feeling guilty of wanting and needing my own space. I’ve allowed others comments to take ahold resulting in me feeling selfish for requesting this time. But I think that now mindfulness is a widely discussed topic, with the positive benefits explained and more understood, it is increasingly accepted that self-love really is ok and that everyone deserves time to reconnect with themselves. It is admissible to focus on our goals and have time for ourselves without making any apologies for doing so.

Photo Cred: Roberto Nickson / Unsplash

DON’T WORRY SO MUCH

I literally think I am one of the world’s biggest worriers. I can wake in the middle of the night in a panic about anything and everything resulting in an insomnia battle. I worry too much about what people think of me and of past conversations sending me into a frenzy. I remember many years ago one of my ex-colleagues asking me some vital questions when the worry began, “Is this person extremely important in your life, do they really matter to you more than anything else, are they essential in your personal life?” or “Will you lose your arm because of this?” and the answer was always no.

Worrying is a waste of time.

Good and bad things happen in life, you just have to keep living and not stress over what you can’t control

Being concerned or nervous about things which maybe haven’t even happened doesn’t change a thing, all it does is disturb your peace. Worry removes you from the present moment which means you’re missing an important time in your life, time that you can’t get back. And that just doesn’t sit right with me.

CELEBRATE SUCCESS

I don’t think we reward ourselves enough for our achievements. I don’t often celebrate unless it’s a big thing like getting a new job, but what about the smaller day to day triumphs? Why don’t we praise ourselves for those? It could be as small as making time to see a friend, sticking to a set bedtime or an exercise routine. It doesn’t matter what it is if it’s something you have accomplished then why not give yourself a pat on the back.

Celebrating makes us more driven, it’s confirmation that we can do what we set our minds to and is what motivates us to the next goal. And the most important thing…it makes us feel awesome!

Photo Cred: Tony Morrison / Unsplash

DON’T BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT I WANT

I have many goals I want to achieve to not only be the best version of myself but to feel and know that I have maximised my life as much as possible. It isn’t always easy to take the required actions to meet these because maybe they don’t fit the expectations of what others want you to do, perhaps they don’t have ambitions of their own or even jealousy could be a factor.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life

~Steve Jobs

Regardless of whatever the comments are from other people, their thoughts should never impact what you want to do with your life unless you have asked for advice to help you make an informed decision.

I’M CAPABLE OF MORE THAN I THINK

I have surprised myself over the last 12 months. I have abseiled down my office building for charity and I am petrified of heights! I have changed jobs and challenged myself beyond belief, successfully coming through the other side. I have embarked upon learning Italian and have received an astonishing number of blog views and subscribers which I thank you all for from the bottom of my heart, it means the world to me.

When I find myself in a situation where the self-doubt creeps in, I reflect on some of my past achievements and remind myself that I did it! And so now no matter what the event is, the message I give myself is, “Actually, yes I can!”

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About me

Hi, I’m Nicci – writer and founder of niccimcshane.com. My lifestyle blog journey began as an expat in 2016 looking for methods of self improvement through confidence, inner peace and independence. Follow me as I continue to share experiences on how to love ourselves and to not just exist, but live.

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